Campylobacter detection in commercial turkeys.

Abstract

1. Frequency of Campylobacter detection was monitored in three flocks of turkeys. The effect of week of production was evaluated for hens in flocks 1 and 2, and the effect of week, gender and litter (fresh or used) was assessed for flock 3. 2. Gastrointestinal tracts, poult box liners, drinkers and faecal droppings were sampled. Conventional microbiological procedures were used to isolate and identify the presence of Campylobacter. Campylobacter latex agglutination tests were used for confirmation. 3. Peak colonisation occurred at approximately 3 weeks of production. Frequency of Campylobacter isolation from bird sources paralleled isolation from waterers. Frequency of detection from birds placed on used litter was lower than detection from birds placed on fresh litter (2% vs 58%). Gender did not affect frequency of detection. 4. Minimising peak colonisation at 3 weeks and managing litter are opportunities to reduce the occurrence of this organism in turkeys.